Frustration for Campbell at Canterbury

Frustration for Campbell at Canterbury

Tauranga’s Phil Campbell has come away from the third round of the Brian Green Property Group New Zealand Rally Championship, the Joe’s Garage/Lonestar Rally Canterbury, frustrated after engine failure took him out of a podium position.

Campbell and co-driver Venita Fabbro came to the event keen to put some points on the board after retiring from a strong fourth in the closing stages of Rally Whangarei. A sensible approach was rewarded with fourth fastest on the opening stage.

After powering The Roofing Store Evo 9 into third place, Campbell was confident of turning around what had been a tough start to the season when on stage four, the engine failed.

Further examination showed water had made its way into the engine from one of the water crossings that troubled many competitors over the event, despite Campbell’s cautious approach to avoid such problems.

“We were so careful going into the water splashes, literally idling in first gear, but some water has got in, bent a rod and destroyed the bottom of the engine. It’s a pretty tough pill to swallow, twice in a row we’ve been in a position to take strong points then been forced to retire,” said Campbell.

“There are some positives though, the feeling in the car is a lot better and the speed is getting faster. Hopefully we’ll be all good to go for Gisborne.”

The Campbell Rally Sport Team now turn their attention to preparing the car for Rally Gisborne on July 2.

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